All 10 House of the Dragon episodes ranked from worst to best

7. House of the Dragon episode 10: “The Black Queen”

It all comes to an end in episode 10, titled “The Black Queen.” After Aegon usurps the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra must make some tough decisions. Of course, she’s the rightful heir after being named by her father, but it doesn’t take long for King’s Landing to turn on her and follow her dimwitted half-brother when Viserys dies.

As Rhaenyra struggles with her next move, she’s also pressured by Daemon, who wants her to start a war. This episode does a great job demonstrating the tension between the two characters, reminding us just how different they are. They’re both Targaryens, yes, but they think very differently. And Rhaenyra has Aegon I’s dream to think about. When she tries to talk to Daemon about it, she realizes Viserys never told him, and he gets angry. He turns on her, if only for a moment, proving he can still be a villain even with his wife.

Season 1 ends before the Dance of the Dragons officially begins, with the first chess move being made. After Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys is killed by Aemond, she’s done playing nice. She’s ready to let the fire take over her, and Emma D’Arcy gives an incredible performance in this episode.

Many people think the finale is anticlimactic, but in knowing what’s going to happen next, I think it gives us a nice moment to breathe before all the chaos and destruction to come in season 2.